Sporotrichosis

• Sporotrichosis manifests most commonly as a cutaneous infection, although pulmonary and disseminated forms have been seen.
• Inoculation occurs at a site of minor trauma, causing an ulcerative subcutaneous nodule that is firm and slightly tender but often painless.
• Secondary lesions may spread along lymphatic channels to form multiple nodules that ulcerate and suppurate. The extremities and face are the most common sites of infection in children.
• Extracutaneous sporotrichosis commonly affects bones and joints, particularly those of the hands, elbows, ankles, or knees, but any organ can be affected.
• Disseminated disease generally occurs after hematogenous spread from primary skin or lung infection.
• Disseminated sporotrichosis may involve multiple foci (eg, eyes, genitourinary system, or central nervous system) and is seen predominantly in immunocompromised patients.
• Pulmonary sporotrichosis clinically resembles tuberculosis and occurs after inhalation or aspiration of aerosolized spores.
• Pulmonary and disseminated sporotrichosis are uncommon in children.

American Academy of Pediatrics. Sporotrichosis. In: Pickering LK, ed.
2000 Red Book: Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases. 25th
ed. Elk Grove Village, Ill: American Academy of Pediatrics;
2000:512-513